Top Essays USB Drive

This USB drive contains 100 of the top This I Believe audio broadcasts of the last ten years, plus some favorites from Edward R. Murrow's radio series of the 1950s. It's perfect for personal or classroom use! Click here to learn more.

I had a warning not once, but twice about the way, I would feel and regrets I would have if I did not say the things I needed to say to my parents before they passed away. I regret not letting my Dad know I had forgiven him for the past. I regret not telling my Mom thank you for becoming a beautiful strong independent woman for the sake of herself, my sister, and myself. I regret not telling them how sorry I was for putting them through hell during my selfish, yet rebellious teenage years. I feel I let my parents pass on with unresolved issues. I have learned that I need to make all amends and peace with loved who are getting ready to pass on before it is too late. Because I could not let my feelings out when I had the chance; I have concluded that now, and until the end of time, I will always have those paths that lead me to live my life with irreversible regrets. This I do Believe.

I lost both of my parents to cancer; before their passing, they decided hospice was going to be the best choice. My sister and I were the caregivers for both parents until the end. Caring for my parents was a lot of work, especially when they became bed bound. I spent, as much time as I could with my parents and when I was alone with them to let them know the things I needed to say; my voice seemed numb and I felt lost. I guess I just did not want to accept the truth. I told my parents I loved them, I sat and held on to their hands, and finally had the courage to tell them it was ok to go. Granted, I told my Mom it was ok to go five minutes before she passed because I did not want to let go.

I live with a tremendous empty feeling and it will never void. My irreversible regrets are a reminder of how cowardly I was; knowing it would be my last chance to say the things I needed to say. My parents brought me into this world and I let them go without letting them hear the things they deserved to hear, only because I did not want to face reality and realize they were going to pass away. I have learned when given the chance; make all amends and peace with loved who are getting ready to pass on before it is too late. I now will live by these words: do not hesitate to open my mind and free my thoughts, making my voice heard, without holding back a single word. At least I will know I will feel a sense of ease knowing I made my peace. I wish I could reroute my path and reverse my regrets, but I cannot and now I live with irreversible regrets, This I do Believe.

Essay of the Week

On August 28, 1963, Benita Porter went with her mother to attend the March on Washington. It was during Dr. King’s spellbinding message of hope, love, and the universality of mankind that Ms. Porter was inspired by the belief that words—her own words—could arouse passion, change minds, and bring about social change. Click here to read her essay.

What Students Believe

Throughout the school year, young people around the world write statements of belief as a classroom exercise. And thousands of those students have submitted their essays to our series. Click here to read a sampling of what young people believe.